The latest Festival of Golf launches late October2016. The Auckland Southern Country Golf Challenge which incorporates Pukekohe, Onewhero, Whitford and Clarks Beach golf courses plays October 25-28 2016. The inaugural event now offers Greater Auckland Golfer’s and surrounds an eventright on their doorstep! Ian Litchfield from the organising committee told Golfer Pacific, “the Auckland Southern Country Golf Challenge has very simple goals. These are for golfers and their partners to enjoy themselves, make new friends, try different golf courses and to become aware of what this region offers in terms of things to do and where to stay so close to Auckland City. Too often we hear people who do come here say “I didn’t know this was here,” “Wow. This is an amazing place to stay,” and “I didn’t know these golf courses were here.” This happens time and time again, yet people travel through this area via the motorway to places for things to do and to stay instead of trying those much closer to home.The format of the tournament is simple and that is to play each of four courses, one each day and the best golfers in the two or three men’s and two women’s section with some awesome prizes based around stableford competitions. At each venue, local tourism operators will be present for you to see what experiences are locally available to you. This will enable you and/ or your partner to explore this area outside of the tournament hours or, simply, to come back at a later date to explore what we have. Further, activities and accommodation options are detailed in "Things to Do" and "Accommodation" drop down boxes above.The entry fee will be $250. We believe that this represents great value to play four quality golf courses with the opportunity to win significant prizes as well as making new friends.All of this could not be made possible by the work of club members and staff at each course and we should not forget the significant support given to the tournament by the Franklin Local Board. We sincerely thank Andy Baker and his team for their support. Like all ventures like this it would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors. At this point, we thank Dean Littin and the team at the Pukekohe Mega Mitre 10 for their support around the purchase of prizes. Sean Newman and the Traillite team have also added a participants prize of a 7 Day motorhome holiday valued at $3,500. This will be drawn at the presentation of prizes on the Friday afternoon.Finally, I thank all of you who have taken this chance to play these courses, enjoy our hospitality and our local experiences. Without you, the success of the Challenge would not happen. All we ask is that you enjoy yourself and tell others about how good the tournament was along with the experiences that you had here.”Thank you to you all.

Pukekohe Golf Club

The course is a championship quality 18 hole parklands style golf course with tree lined fairways, lakes and a river as part of the challenges you face when you take part in the Pukekohe golf experience.There is on-line tee booking from the website www.pukekohegolf.co.nz and follow the instructions or phone. The course is easy to find being only 5 minutes from the southern motorway exit 461 and follow the signs towards Pukekohe or place the address in your GPS location finder and it will lead you straight here.Once here, the PGA qualified professional will assist you with all of your needs including clubs and other playing gear.A cold drink and food available on most days from the cafe awaits you when you have finished your round.www.pukekohegolf.co.nz

Clarks Beach Golf Club

Picturesque 18 hole golf course on the shores of the Manukau Harbour only 40 minutes from central Auckland. Great display of native trees and the Pohutukawa trees flowering in December provide an attractive showing. From every hole there are water views. The course is renown for its collection of par 3’s which professional golfers who have played the course remark that they would not be amiss any where in the country. Has been rated by Metro magazine as one of the best country courses in the North Island of New Zealand. The course is only 5319 metres long and ball placement is essential to gain maximum benefit from your shot. Several holes feature water displays. A course that offers an enjoyable challenge for high and low handicap golfers.clarksbeachgolfclub.co.nz

Whitford Park

Whitford Park is a par 71 championship golf course, set amongst 254 acres of beautiful indigenous trees and streams. The 18 hole course measures 6250 metres from the Blue tees. The greens are consistently among the best available in New Zealand while the couch grass fairways provide a delightful playing surface throughout the year. Regardless of skill levels the course offers all golfers the challenge of a great game in beautiful park like surroundings. You can play for a day as a visitor or become a member.www.whitfordpark.co.nz

Onewhero Golf Club

Located at Pukekawa, only eight minutes from the State Highway One turnoff at Mercer. The 18 hole layout is set on a wonderful, volcanic free- draining terrain that ensures it is truly playable all year and is rarely closed. The many tree-lined fairways and areas of native bush add to the beauty of the course and ensure that golfers are presented with a solid but fair challenge. Fantails and native pigeons are also regulars on the course! You can enjoy a drink and a meal in the two- storey clubhouse, which overlooks the picturesque 18th green and beyond,with all the facilities. The staff and members are inviting and friendly, providing a pleasant relaxed atmosphere that will ensure you always enjoy a warm welcome.www.onewherogolf.co.nz

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